Cortes Island food bank

How COVID 19 Affects The Cortes Island Food Bank

The Cortes Island Food Bank has been operational since Samantha Statton’s son was in Kindergarden, twenty years ago. Up until recently, she responded to requests by dropping a hamper off at the Mansons Hall office. So how has COVID 19 affected the Cortes Island Food Bank?

Mansons Hall closed its doors to the public on March 16,  so now Samantha either brings people’s groceries to the parking lot at a prearranged time, or delivers to their homes. 

As a result of the public’s raised awareness, close to $4,000 was raised for the food bank at Cortes Island’s First Virtual Town Hall meeting. At the current level of demand, this should finance operations for close to three months. 

As she has no place to store produce, this primarily consists of staples: pastas, soups, flour, popcorn, kidney beans, baked beans, cereals ,coffee, tea and a lot of gluten free materials.

Everyone who applies will receive a hamper with enough staples to last roughly 2-3 weeks. 

“They come from all walks of life: single people, single parents, families – a whole wide range, anybody and everybody.”

“I’m guessing that there will be an increase in the number of people using the food bank because a lot of people are out of work. My supplies are really good at the moment, but I am continually ordering bulk supplies at the island’s stores,” said Statton. 

“If you find yourself in need. please call the food bank because that is what we are for. My number is 250-935-0276.”

There are a number of ways people can help the Cortes Island Food Bank. You can drop off grocery items, or cash, at any of the island’s stores. You can write cheques to the Cortes Island Food Bank care of Samantha Statton. Or set up an e-transfer to Mansons Hall (mansonshall@gmail.com). You will be asked to create a  security question with a one word word answer and can add a message with the transfer that simply says “food bank.” Email the security question (and answer) to mansonshall@gmail.com and once again mention that the ‘food bank’ as the recipient.  If you want a tax receipt, mention that too. All funds go directly towards the purchase of food.

Top photo credit: The parking lot at Mansons Hall – Roy L Hales photo.

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